Remember that old iPhone commercial that touted “There’s an app for that”? Attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent is the foundation of successful companies. A recent study by Simply Hired revealed that 70 percent of job seekers are using their mobile phones to find jobs. In addition, forward thinking companies are leveraging mobile apps to hire the best people, build their brand and enable candidates and employees to talk about their experiences on social networks. Ultimately, the job-hunt is about connecting people and information; yet, there are a plethora of mobile apps, recruiting/talent management software programs and social platforms that can accelerate this process.
Mobile apps make searching for a job easier
Gone are the days when candidates secretly sent emails to employers from their home computers on Sunday nights! Mobile apps allow candidates to discreetly search for positions- anytime, anywhere and quickly respond to postings. Hundreds of mobile apps are available for job search (CareerBuilder, Monster, Indeed, Simply Hired, SnagAJob, Linkup, etc.), plus apps to build your resume (Pocket Resume, Resume App), network for lunch (http://lunchmeetapp.com), prepare for an interview (101Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions), research companies and assess salaries and company reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), organize the job search process (Fresh Transition Job Search Organizer), and much more. Career Rocketeer provides a list of the top 25 iPhone apps (http://careerrocketeer.com/top-25-must-have-iphone-apps-for-your-job-search).
Apps to Build Professional Network & Personal Brand
Mobile apps have contributed to the explosion in social networks and candidates are leveraging networking apps (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, SnapData Business Cards, etc.) to connect, share and update their profiles, regardless of where you are. For example, Twitter allows you to share content and build awareness of yourself as a thought leader. Twitter’s openness and more casual style make it a useful platform for showcasing your “full self”- interests, talents, style and personality. Allow your authentic self to shine! Network across disciplines and follow/engage with people who inspire you. I consider myself a skilled networker, but Twitter has pushed me outside me comfort zone and I LOVE it! Remember, recruiters will look at your networks consider how your connections frame who you are and what type of fit you would be for a company.
Mobile Recruiting Enhances a Companies Response
Corporations are incorporating mobile apps to facilitate recruitment workflow, making it easier to HR to evaluate candidates, share information with hiring managers and make job offers. It’s critical to have a nimble strategy to reach your target audience, and increase productivity by enabling your team to “work from anywhere.” By 2020, more than 50% of the U.S. workforce will be comprised of millennials. Currently, more than 70% of Fortune 100 companies have not invested in mobile optimizing their career pages. Thus, traditional companies will need to invest in sleek mobile apps to meet the demand of the digital natives.
Bottom line: There are hundreds of apps that candidates can leverage to identify job openings, prep for interviews, expand their professional network and much more. It’s imperative to differentiate yourself, establish a strong online personal brand and leverage your relationships and unique talents to land your ideal job.
Mobile Recruiting: There’s an App for That!
